. >> reporter: the energy secretary, they are giving the hero credit for a job well done. >> it was amazing. >> yes. >> and he has been restoring customer for nearly 30 years. >> it is just like anything else. if you show -- if you show me a little respect, i will go the mile for you. >> oh man. i have been here going for 29 years and it is all right. >> reporter: at the height of super storm sandy. 44,000 customers were impacted. all by the power here. >> it is a big change, a welcoming change. >> reporter: the regional president says that it was a little bit of luck and a lot of preparation. >> it feels good. and also the reality that a lot of customers in other parts of the country are suffering right now. >> reporter: the most highly criticized utility, even dubbed the most hated company in the nation. have they turned the corner? >> you know, that question, well, it is better served to those who will judge us. >> how do you think that they did at this time? >> we were very surprised. they were trying to trim some branches, right before the storm hit us. i was impressed to hear that. >>